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How medical cannabis can be used in the treatment of insomnia has been of great interest to researchers and patients alike. Wide-spread reliance on drugs such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates and other strong sedatives has been up for public debate due to their risk of drug dependence and withdrawal symptoms. In light of this, utilising cannabis and cannabinoid medicines in treating sleep disorders is gaining serious traction.

Learning how to get the most out of medical cannabis for your patient is important. If you are a doctor with a suitable patient, you can refer your patients to CA Clinics here or email info@caclinics.com.au. You can also learn more about studies currently being conducted by  Applied Cannabis Research, with patients recruited through CA Clinics, by emailing here.

 For further information on this topic, you may be interested to learn more about the HealthCert Professional Diploma program in Medicinal Cannabis.

The importance of a good snooze

Approximately one third of Australians have sleeping problems, including difficulty getting to sleep and staying asleep. Sleeping complaints turn chronic when an individual has difficulty falling asleep or maintaining restorative sleep for more than one month.

If you’ve ever had sleeping troubles, even for a short period of time, you know how debilitating it can be. There is a reason sleep deprivation has been used as torture, its effects on anxiety, mood, memory, gastrointestinal health and immunity can be dramatic.

Cannabis and the endocannabinoid system

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) can be found in all animals, from invertebrates to humans. This system produces endogenous (originating from within the body) cannabinoids, and its receptors react to ingested cannabis as well as pharmacological interventions. The ECS has been shown to play a significant role in sleep patterns and the circadian rhythm, our biological clock.

Cannabis has been used to promote sleep for centuries. In the last few decades anecdotal evidence and researchers’ curiosity has given rise to increased interest and clinical research into the modern application of cannabis for sleep disorders.

Medicinal cannabis for sleep

By and large there are three cannabinoids most posited to improve sleep disturbances: THC, CBD and CBN.

Both CBD and THC, paradoxically, have the capacity to be either sedating or alerting. These actions are apparent in a dose dependent manner and points to the concept of the Entourage Effect: elucidated by Raphael Mechuloam this theory states cannabinoids (and indeed other plant compounds) enact their beneficial effects most potently when delivered in combination.

The dose dependent efficacy of cannabinoids can also explain the conflicting results regarding human trials using cannabis for insomnia. Yet there is enough evidence suggesting its positive impact on sleep to continue investigating.

CBN, a lesser known cannabinoid than its famous counterparts THC and CBD, comes from the oxidation of THC. CBN instills a state of tranquility and relaxation (much like CBD), yet despite being derived from THC it has a significantly reduced psychoactive response. Whether it has a sedating action on its own, or acts synergistically with THC is yet undiscovered. However it is still widely used in regions where cannabis is legal in sleep formulations.

The effects of CBD and CBN on pain and systemic inflammation have not yet been concretely linked to their impact on insomnia. However, in trials using medical cannabis to treat other chronic or autoimmune disorders, the effects on sleep have been significant enough for researchers to take note and in some cases have measurably improved patients quality of life.

The role of terpenes and medicinal cannabis

There has been much stirring in the recreational cannabis landscape surrounding terpenes, and this association with recreational use should not discredit the potential that terpenes have in treating medical conditions, specifically sleep.

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in a vast number of plants that have therapeutic use in their own right. Those most associated with improving sleep disturbances include pinene, myrcene, limonene and linalool. These terpenes, amongst others, also engage in the entourage effect – acting synergistically with cannabinoids to improve symptoms.

More research needed to achieve optimum medicinal cannabis formulations for sleep

While there is plenty of research out there regarding medical cannabis and insomnia, as well as endless anecdotal accounts, further investigation will aid in determining optimum formulations (without side effects on next day cognition) that will be efficacious for those suffering chronic sleep disorders.

There are high hopes for clinical trials here and internationally to facilitate speedier access to quality treatments for insomnia patients throughout the globe.

Book an appointment with CA Clinics now or call 1300 991 477 or email info@caclinics.com.au if you would like to learn more.

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If you are interested in becoming an authorised prescriber of Medicinal Cannabis in Australia, the TGA SAS-B guidelines require you to prove that you have the knowledge necessary to do so. HealthCert’s Professional Diploma of Medicinal Cannabis pathway can serve as part of your documentation showing that you have undertaken education in this field when you decide to become an authorised prescriber.

This article has been provided by our partner, Southern Cannabis Holdings. Southern Cannabis Holdings builds, integrates and operates high-value brands across the cannabis value chain, including FreshLeaf Analytics, Cannabis Access Clinics and Applied Cannabis Research. HealthCert and Southern Cross Holdings have partnered up to bridge gaps in patient and clinician knowledge on medicinal cannabis.